Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification

Transcription

1 Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification 2009 Candidate Handbook This booklet contains... Subject matter for the Environmental Compliance Inspector tests Education and experience requirements Selected study references Certification policies Frequently Asked Questions

2 Environmental Compliance Inspector 2009 Candidate Handbook This handbook contains information about the Environmental Compliance Inspector certification program. Please read this entire handbook to become familiar with certification procedures and policies. As a certificate applicant, you are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook. If you have any questions please contact your Local Section Chair (listed in the TCP Application) or the CWEA office at Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy CWEA does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. Copyright 2007 by the California Water Environment Association California Water Environment Association Technical Certification Program 7677 Oakport Street, Suite 600 Oakland, CA Page 1 phone: fax: web: Contents Introduction 2 The California Water Environment Association 2 The Technical Certification Program 2 Important Information 2 The Certification Process 2 Code of Ethics 2 Test Administration and Admission 2 Test Design and Format 3 Test Scoring 3 Test Rescheduling and Cancellation 3 Item Appeals 3 Test Result Notification 3 Issue of Certificate/Wallet Cards 3 Renewal of Certification 3 Re-certification 4 Accommodations For Those With Physical or Learning Disabilities 4 Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector 5 Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 5 Essential Duties 5 Complexity of Test Questions 5 Test Content Areas 6 Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector 7 Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 7 Qualifying With Your Education 7 Essential Duties 7 Complexity of Test Questions 8 Test Content Areas 8 Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector 10 Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 10 Qualifying With Your Education 10 Essential Duties 10 Complexity of Test Questions 11 Test Content Areas 11 Grade IV Environmental Compliance Inspector 13 Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 13 Qualifying With Your Education 13 Essential Duties 13 Complexity of Test Questions 14 Test Content Areas 14 SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS 14 SELECTED REFERENCES 17 PREPARING FOR YOUR TEST 18 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 18 Contents

3 Introduction The California Water Environment Association CWEA s mission is to enhance the education and effectiveness of California wastewater professionals through training, certification, dissemination of technical information, and promotion of sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of the water environment. CWEA is a California Nonprofit Corporation and is a Member Association of the Water Environment Federation and a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance. The Technical Certification Program The Technical Certification Program (TCP) was created to offer multilevel technical certification for individuals employed in the water quality field. Tests are written by vocational specialists and administered throughout the year in six different disciplines: Collection System Maintenance, Environmental Compliance Inspection, Laboratory Analyst, Plant Maintenance (Electrical/ Instrumentation and Mechanical Technologist), Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator, and Biosolids Land Application Management. CWEA first offered a certification program for operators of wastewater treatment plants in The program was administered by CWEA until 1973 when the State of California assumed responsibility for the program. During those 36 years, CWEA awarded 3,915 operator certificates. In 1975 the first committees were formed to establish a new voluntary certification program for water quality professionals specializing in disciplines other than plant operation. Eventually, the Voluntary Certification Program (VCP) emerged with specialized certificate programs for Collection System Maintenance, Plant Maintenance, Environmental Compliance Inspection, and Laboratory Analyst. The first of the new certifications were given in April of In the 1980s two more disciplines were added: Electrical/ Instrumentation, and Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator. Today CWEA offers certification in six different vocational programs with with a total of 23 different certifications. About 2,000 certification applications are processed every year and over 5,500 certificates are currently held by individuals in California, Michigan, Hawaii, and Missouri. Environmental Compliance Inspector and Industrial Waste Inspector Designations The title of the Industrial Waste Inspector program has been changed to Environmental Compliance Inspector to more accurately reflect typical environmental compliance inspection duties and responsibilities. The two designations are equivalent and can be interchanged within the context of this handbook. Introduction Important Information The Certification Process To become certified, all applicants must complete the Application For Technical Certification, pay the application fee, have appropriate experience and education, and pass the computer-based test. Application instructions and fee schedules are listed on the application. After applications are received at the CWEA office, applicant information is compiled in the certification database. Acceptance letters are then mailed to all applicants. The experience and education given on the application is then reviewed by CWEA staff. If the application is approved, then the applicant will receive an acceptance letter. If the application is rejected, the applicant will be notified and may be asked to supply more information if warranted. After completing the test applicants are sent official test results. Those who pass the exam will then be mailed certificates and blue wallet cards. Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics is intended to reflect the standards and behavior that California Water Environment Association certificate holders and applicants expect of each other as they perform their work protecting public health and the environment and that reaffirm the value of holding a CWEA certificate. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to ensure public confidence in the integrity and service of professional water quality workers while performing their duties. All California Water Environment Association certificate holders and applicants are expected to meet the following standards of professional conduct and ethics: 1. To protect public health, themselves, their coworkers, property, and the environment by performing the Essential Duties of the CWEA certified vocation safely and effectively, and complying with all applicable federal, state and local regulations. 2. To represent themselves truthfully and honestly throughout the entire certification process. 3. To adhere to all test site rules and make no attempt to complete the test dishonestly or to assist any other person in doing so. 4. To refrain from activities that may jeopardize the integrity of the Technical Certification Program. Test Administration And Admission Testing Dates and Sites: Tests are given throughout the year. Applicants who are eligible for the test will receive an acceptance letter and instructions on how to schedule for their exam. CWEA also provides reasonable accommodations for those with physical or learning disabilities (See following page: Accommodations For Those With Physical or Learning Disabilities ). Testing Window Test Dates Application Deadline Spring April 1 - June 30 February 28 Summer July 1 - September 30 May 31 Fall October 1 - December 31 August 31 Winter January 1 - March 31 November 30 Page 2

4 Test Site Admission: Certificate candidates are required to show at least one valid government issued photo identification (State driver s license or ID, or passport). Only after positive identification has been made by the testing proctor may a candidate begin the exam. Candidates are not required to show their acceptance letters to enter the test site. Test Security: Beginning January 2009, all exams will be computer-based format. No reference material, laptop computers or cameras are allowed in the test site. Candidates will have access to an onscreen calculator, however, examinees are welcome to bring preapproved calculator (visit Candidates are not allowed to take any notes from the test site. Candidates who violate test site rules may be asked to leave the site and may be disqualified from that test. All violations of test security will be investigated by CWEA and appropriate action will be taken. There are no exceptions to this policy. Test Design And Format Test Design: All certification tests are designed to test knowledge and abilities required to perform Essential Duties with minimal acceptable competence. The Essential Duties and Test Content Areas for each certification were determined by a job analysis and meta-analysis of job specifications by two independent psychometric consulting firms. The studies gathered data from onsite visits of over 31 water and wastewater agencies, interviews with 110 water and wastewater professionals, and analysis of more than 300 job specifications. All research was conducted under the guidance of the Technical Certification Program Committee, vocational sub-committees, and CWEA staff. All test questions are designed to measure at least one area of knowledge or ability that is required to perform an essential duty. Test Delivery Mechanism: All tests are computer-based format and are written in English language only. Test Format: All tests are given in the multiple choice format. The multiple choice format is considered the most effective for use in standardized tests. This objective format allows a greater coverage of content for a given amount of testing time and improves competency measurement reliability. Multiple choice questions range in complexity from simple recall of knowledge to the synthesis and evaluation of the subject matter. Test Scoring Scoring Method: All tests are mechanically scored by CWEA. The overall test score will determine if you pass or fail the test. Generally, the minimum score required to pass the test is 75% ( this passing score may be adjusted downward depending on the difficulty level of each particular test). The minimum passing score is determined by the modified Angoff Method. When taking your test it is recommended that you try your best to score as high as possible. Do not try to target the minimum passing score. How Passing Scores Are Set: Each time a certification test is given the questions are changed resulting in a different test form. Since each form has different questions the difficulty level of the test may not be the same from form to form. The passing score is developed as an overall estimate of minimal acceptable competence in the Test Content Areas by subject matter and testing experts. Passing scores are determined by an overall passing score, not by performance on individual Test Subject Areas, and are independent of other candidates scores. Partial credit will not be awarded for any test item answered incorrectly. Test Rescheduling and Cancellation Instructions Reschedule your Testing Window To reschedule your application you must submit a written request (a letter stating that you wish to reschedule) to the adjacent (next) window once without a fee. A $40 administrative fee is required to reschedule your application again to the third window. There are no exceptions to this policy. Reschedule your Test Appointment If you already have a scheduled exam with our testing administrator, Pearson VUE (PV), and wish to reschedule your appointment, you must contact (PV) one (1) business day in advanced to avoid losing your exam fee. Cancel your Application To cancel your application you must submit a written request ( a letter stating you wish to cancel your application) to CWEA. The written request along with a $40 administrative fee must be received at the CWEA office before the approved testing window begins. Full refunds, less a $40 administrative fee, will be made within 4 weeks after the scheduled date. Item Appeals Candidates who wish to appeal a specific test item must do so during the test by completing the Candidate Comment Review Screen. Candidate comments will be evaluated and appropriate adjustments will be made to the test content. Candidates submitting comments will not be contacted in regards to the appeal. Test Result Notification Exam results are routinely mailed to certificate candidates approximately 4 weeks after the exam date. No results are given by phone,via fax or . All results are confidential and are only released to the certificate candidate. There are no exceptions to this policy. Issue of Certificate/Blue Wallet Card Certificates and blue wallet cards will be issued to all candidates who pass the exam. Certificates and blue wallet cards are mailed about two to three weeks after result notifications have been mailed. Page 3 Important Information

5 Renewal of Certification All certificates must be renewed annually. The first renewal is due one year from the last day of the month in which the certification exam was held. Certificate renewals less than one year past due are subject to the renewal fee plus a penalty fee of 100 percent of the renewal fee. Certificates more than one year past due will need to retest to regain certification. Renewal notices are mailed to certificate holders two months before the due date. It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to ensure that his or her certificate(s) remains valid. Re-Certification CWEA Certificate holders shall be required to renew certificates annually, and shall be required to provide evidence of completion of 12 contact hours of continuing education requirements every two years. For more information, visit CWEA s website: Accommodations For Those With Physical or Learning Disabilities In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, special accommodations will be provided for those individuals who provide CWEA with a physician s certificate, or its equivalent, documenting a physical or psychological disability that may affect the individual s ability to successfully complete the certification examination. Written requests for special accommodations must be made no later than 3 weeks before the examination date. Introduction Page 4

6 Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Page 5 Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade I Certification is designed to demonstrate competency at the entry and basic working level. More specifically, Grade I certification implies competence in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties of an entry level Environmental Compliance Inspector. Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test There are no experience or education requirements for Grade I certification. Completing the Application for Technical Certification, paying the appropriate application fee, and passing the examination are the only requirements. It is, however, recommended that Grade I candidates have at least one year of experience working as an Environmental Compliance Inspector or Technician performing the Essential Duties listed below. Many candidates without the recommended experience have difficulty successfully completing the computer-based test. Essential Duties Of The Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Individuals certified as Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspectors are expected to possess acceptable competency when performing the tasks that are necessary for entry level environmental compliance inspectors. These necessary tasks are known as the Essential Duties. The certification test measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties. Essential Duties for Grade I 1. Learns appropriate sampling locations and procedures; collection of representative samples in accordance with the District s quality assurance program of wastewater and water from industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional sources, various interceptors and storm sewers; completes appropriate documentation, including chain of custody documentation; and performs field tests or laboratory tests on samples collected 2. Observes and records field conditions, flow meter reading and field test results 3. Cleans, inspects, maintains and repairs sampling, flow meters, and test equipment 4. Assists in the inspection of pretreatment facilities and processes of industrial and commercial establishments for compliance with wastewater discharge ordinance and permit conditions 5. Assists in the inspection of industrial and commercial businesses for compliance with urban runoff and pollution prevention requirements 6. Assist in call-outs and the investigation and tracing of the sources of illegal discharges entering the Districts s wastewater collection system 7. Collects information for assessing fees from industrial and commercial establishments and checks for the presence of grease traps and interceptors 8. Provides input and assistance in the preparation of a variety of manual and computerized written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports; updates filed inspection records; and tabulates, calculates, and computes data and prepares data for sewer service charges 9. Supports customer service activities; responds to questions of a limited variety and scope after receiving specific instruction; refers inquiries to appropriate level; interacts cooperatively with internal and external customers and provides feedback to appropriate staff 10. Learns and keeps current on pertinent information and developments in environmental compliance functional areas; assists in the implementation of state, federal, or local requirements to support appropriate programs 11. Learns and observes proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices; learns to maintain equipment, materials, and worksite in proper and safe condition in accordance with policies and procedures Complexity Of Test Questions At the Grade I level, certificate candidates are expected to have basic knowledge of the job and the ability to safely perform the Essential Duties listed above. Examinees will have to answer multiple choice questions that test knowledge, comprehension and application of the subject matter. The complexity of the questions will cover the ability to recall previously learned material, to understand the meaning of the subject matter, and to apply knowledge to new situations. Test Content Areas The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas. Each content area is a Knowledge, Skill, or Ability that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed above. Since all of the Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities are required to perform the Essential Duties they are all equally important in the demonstration of acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content areas listed below are equally weighted on the test. Test Content Areas for Grade I Knowledge of: 101. Basic scientific principles (chemistry, biology, physics), with special emphasis on wastewater chemistry and chemistry encountered in industrial processes 102. Basic laboratory procedures, equipment and apparatus, with particular emphasis on analyses performed for industrial selfmonitoring reports Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector

7 103. Basic principles of sample collection 104. Basic principles of preservation and holding time 105. Chain of custody procedures and documentation 106. Basic math, including fractions, decimals, proportions, and metric measurements 123. Follow written and oral instructions 124. Follow safety practices, precautions, and methods 125. Collect representative samples 126. Preserve samples and observe holding times 127. Follow chain-of-custody procedures and documentation 107. Basic knowledge of pumps, mechanical equipment, flowmeters, alarm systems, chemical feed systems, etc Basic industrial processes (e.g. metal finishing, food processing, etc.) 109. Basic safety equipment and procedures associated with conducting inspections 110. Quality assurance terms and principles 111. Fundamentals of wastewater treatment processes 112. Industrial wastewater treatment processes 113. Effects of pollutants on sewage treatment processes 114. Personal protective equipment required to conduct inspections 115. Traffic control procedures for street work Skill to: 116. Communicate effectively with representatives of commercial, industrial, institutional users, co -workers, and persons from other agencies and the public, in the English language 117. Maintain accurate and complete records Ability to: 118. Observe and report accurately 119. Work with mechanical and electrical equipment 120. Safely follow basic laboratory principles and procedures (See KSA 101) 121. Learn rules, regulations and laws related to water and wastewater 122. Read gauges, meters, flow meters, and other recording instruments Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Page 6

8 Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade II Certification is designed to demonstrate competency at the skilled or journey level. More specifically, Grade II certification implies competence in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties of a skilled Environmental Compliance Inspector. Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test The basic requirement is four years of full-time work in environmental compliance inspection. You may also qualify by having two years of experience and holding an Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade I certificate for one year, OR having two years of full-time experience and holding an Associate s degree in a related field, OR having one year of full-time experience and holding a Bachelor s, or higher, degree in a related field. Eligibility criteria are summarized in the table below. You may qualify by meeting either Education/ Experience Combination A, B, C, or D. If you do not meet any of the combinations of experience and education, then you do not qualify for Grade II: Combination A B C D EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS None Hold Grade I ECI Certificate for 1 year AA/AS degree in a related field Hold a BA/BS, or higher, degree in a related field EXPERIENCE 4 full-time years in Environmental Compliance Inspection 2 full-time years in Environmental Compliance Inspection 2 full-time years in Environmental Compliance Inspection 1 full-time year in Environmental Compliance Inspection Qualifying With Your Education Holding a college degree, or its equivalent, in a field related to your vocation will reduce the number of years required for your test (see the table above). Your degree must be in a field that is related to the certificate for which you are applying. If you are uncertain if your degree is related to your vocation you should still include your degree information in your application. The Technical Certification Program Committee will determine if your degree qualifies. If it does not, you will be accepted for the next highest grade level for which you qualify. Associate s and Bachelor s degrees in technical fields are usually accepted. Degrees are evaluated on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. College credit without a degree is not accepted unless it can be demonstrated that the credit is equivalent to a degree. Essential Duties Of The Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector Individuals certified as Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspectors are expected to possess acceptable competency when performing the tasks that are necessary for skilled or journey level environmental compliance inspectors. These necessary tasks are known as the Essential Duties. The certification test measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties. Essential Duties for Grade II 1. Inspects a variety of pretreatment systems, facilities, and processes of industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional establishments for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permit conditions related to pretreatment, urban, runoff, and pollution prevention requirements 2. Reviews and evaluates all but the most complex permit applications, discharge reports, facility modifications, and pretreatment systems; issues permits following established practices, policies, procedures, internal guidelines, and models; performs calculations related to industrial discharge permitting, including calculation of production-based and alternative limits 3. Initiates appropriate enforcement action after identifying noncompliance with district, state or federal requirements; prepares and issues written notices of requirement and violations of regulations; researching compliance history of facilities; participates in enforcement hearings; and monitors follow-up action 4. Evaluates local and federal compliance monitoring reports, such as solvent and spill management plans, pollution prevention plans, baseline monitoring reports, 90-day reports, periodic reports of continued compliance, and self-monitoring plans and sample results 5. Determines sampling locations and methods; collects representative samples of wastewater and water from industrial, commercial, residential, institutional sources, various interceptors, and storm sewers; uses appropriate containers and preservation methods; performing field or laboratory tests on samples collected; observes and records field conditions, flow meter readings, field test results, and other data relevant to sampling conditions and completes documentation 6. Investigates and traced sources of illegal waste discharges entering the wastewater collection system; responds to and coordinates call-outs; Page 7 Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector

9 provides technical assistance and guidance; and observes, monitors, and evaluates conditions and initiates appropriate responses 7. Prepares manual and computerized written, oral, tabular and graphic reports and summarizes requirements and regulations 8. Explains environmental compliance regulations, requirements, and policies to business owners and operators, other government agencies staff and the general public 9. Plans and participates in pollution-prevention, including commercial business regulation, development of best management practices and public outreach 10. Evaluates dischargers' activities and prepares data for sewer service charges and capacity fees; researching tenant occupancy uses, sewer service charge bills and classification; estimating landscape allowances and discharge volumes; determines and verifies wastewater strength classifications; verifying sewer service and/or capacity charges and information; reviews and analyzes information for sewer service refunds, makes recommendations and provides the supervisory and/or manager with documentation; and responds to customer inquiries concerning sewer service charges and capacity fees 11. Responds to and initiates contact with customers; provides detailed information on a variety of topics in a clear, succinct manner using the appropriate approach and response for the situation; shares technical and/or specialized information with appropriate staff, industrial users, and other public agencies; and provides feedback, observations, and analysis to appropriate staff 12. Researches and keeps current on pertinent information and development in environmental compliance functional areas; evaluates and implements state, federal or local requirements as necessary to maintain approved pretreatment programs (i.e.,pollution prevention, urban runoff) 13. Observes proper safety precautions, rules, regulations and practices. Complexity Of Test Questions At the Grade II level, certificate candidates are expected to have the knowledge, skill and ability to safely and effectively accomplish most of the Essential Duties listed above. Grade II candidates are also expected to be able to be familiar with the Grade I Test Content Areas. Examinees will have to answer multiple choice questions that test comprehension, application and analysis of the subject matter. The complexity of the questions will cover the ability: to basically understand the subject matter; to recall and apply principles, ideas, and theories; and to break down ideas and theories into their constituent parts. Test Content Areas The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas. Each content area is a knowledge, skill, or ability that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed above. Since all of the knowledge, skills, or abilities are required to perform the Essential Duties they are all equally important in the demonstration of acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content areas listed below are equally weighted on the test. Candidates should also be thoroughly familiar with the Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Test Content Areas. Test Content Areas for Grade II 200. Knowledge, skill and ability identified on the Test Content Specifications for Industrial Waste Inspection/Environmental Compliance Grade I Knowledge of: 201. Categorical standards 202. EPA pretreatment regulations and standards (40 CFR part 403) 203. Water quality regulations for storm water (40 CFR part 122) 204. Common monitoring technology including common sampling, and flow-measuring methods, equipment, apparatus and their uses 205. Principles and methods of wastewater collection, treatment and disposal 206. Safety methods, procedures, practices, and precautions related to conducting inspections, traffic control, and using appropriate personal protective equipment 207. Complex principles of chemistry with special emphasis on wastewater chemistry and chemistry encountered in industrial processes 208. Arithmetic including fractions, decimals, proportions, percentages, and logarithmic notation 209. Basic mechanical, hydraulic and environmental engineering principles and concepts 210. Pollution prevention principles and activities 211. Industrial processes 212. Industrial pretreatment technologies 213. Industrial activities that could impact storm water runoff 214. Collection of samples that could be used as evidence in legal proceedings Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector Page 8

10 215. Preservation procedures for routine and nonroutine samples Skill to: 216. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, memorandums and correspondence 217. Interact cooperatively and effectively with the public, industrial users, other agencies and staff personnel in conducting environmental compliance inspections 226. Identify and mitigate safety hazards on the job Correctly complete an analytical request form and recognize what lab tests to request Participate in an emergency response situation or incident Initiate safe traffic control procedures Communicate the objectives of a program to representatives of commercial, residential and industrial users, in the English language Ability to: 219. Read, interpret, apply and explain complex procedures, rules, regulations, and law relating to water and wastewater 220. Interpret physical, chemical, microbiological and bacteriological tests on water and wastewater 221. Read and understand technical information relating to wastewater generation and disposal, including engineering drawings and schematics 222. Plan, organize and manage environmental compliance projects 223. Inspect a variety of industrial waste generating processes 224. Inspect a variety of industrial waste water pretreatment processes 225. Inspect industrial effluent monitoring equipment including ph, ORP, flow meters, explosion meters, selective ion recorders, etc. Page 9 Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector

11 Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade III Certification is designed to demonstrate competency at the lead or advanced technical level. More specifically, Grade III certification implies competence in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties of a lead or advanced Environmental Compliance Inspector. Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test The basic requirement is six years of full-time work in Environmental Compliance Inspection. You may also qualify by having four years of experience and holding an Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade II Certificate for two years, OR having four years of fulltime experience and holding an Associate s degree in a related field, OR having three years of full-time experience and holding a Bachelor s, or higher, degree in a related field. Eligibility criteria are summarized in the table below. You may qualify by meeting either Education/ Experience Combination A, B, C, or D. If you do not meet any of the combinations of experience and education, then you do not qualify for Grade III: Combination A B C D EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS None Hold Grade II ECI certificate for 2 years Hold an Associate s degree in a related field Hold a BA/BS, or higher, degree in a related field EXPERIENCE 6 full-time years in environmental compliance inspection 4 full-time years in environmental compliance inspection 4 full-time years in environmental compliance inspection 3 full-time years in environmental compliance inspection Qualifying With Your Education Holding a college degree, or its equivalent, in a field related to your vocation will reduce the number of years required for your test (see the table above). Your degree must be in a field that is related to the certificate for which you are applying. If you are uncertain if your degree is related to your vocation you should still include your degree information in your application. The Technical Certification Program Committee will determine if your degree qualifies. If it does not, you will be accepted for the next highest grade level for which you qualify. Associate s and Bachelor s degrees in technical fields are usually accepted. Degrees are Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector evaluated on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. College credit without a degree is not accepted unless it can be demonstrated that the credit is equivalent to a degree. Essential Duties Of The Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector Individuals certified as Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspectors are expected to possess acceptable competency when performing the tasks that are necessary for lead or advanced level environmental compliance inspectors. These necessary tasks are known as the Essential Duties. The certification test measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties. Essential Duties for Grade III 1. Reviews and evaluates highly complex permit applications, discharge reports, facility modifications, and pretreatment systems; issuing permits, following established practices, policies, procedures, internal guidelines, and models; establishing models and procedures when appropriate; reporting findings to the appropriate authority; researching compliance history of facility; assessing possible effects of the proposed discharge on the treatment plant and collection system; and initiating appropriate follow-up activities 2. Explains wastewater discharge permit conditions, and other environmental compliance regulations, requirements, and policies to business owners and operators, the general public and to other government agency staff 3. Evaluates local and federal compliance monitoring reports, such as solvent and spill management plans, baseline monitoring reports, 90-day reports, periodic reports of continued compliance, pollution-prevention plans and self-monitoring plans 4. Supervises sampling and inspection of commercial and industrial facilities and discharges to determine processes and generating wastewater; evaluates data used in determining compliance with applicable standards and in establishing sewer service charges and capacity fees 5. Organizes, plans, supervises, and reviews the activities and work of subordinate staff 6. Participates in employee selection; evaluates employee performance; develops and participates in employee development and training programs; develops and oversees division performance standards and resolves employee relations matters 7. Supervises record keeping activities and participates in the preparation of a variety of periodic and special reports, including monthly operation reports; and advises management of Page 10

12 significant data or information related to the work of the division 8. Assists in the administration of a division's safety program; performs field inspections for safety conformance; and conducts investigations of accidents/injuries 9. Provides instruction and training to staff in the techniques of sampling and inspection; the application of laws, codes, ordinances and procedures governing implementation, enforcement of pretreatment regulations and other activities 10. Supervises investigations and the enforcement activities related to illegal discharges to sanitary sewer systems 11. Initiates appropriate enforcement action after identifying noncompliance with district, state, and federal requirements; prepares and issues written notices of requirements and violations of district regulations, facilitates and participates in enforcement hearings and monitors follow-up action 12. Performs special studies requiring technical expertise and project-management skills, such as local limits, sampling and inspection program review, impact of discharge, regulations review, water reclamation, commercial business regulations, development of best-management practices, and public outreach projects 13. Performs calculations required to complete the annual sewer-service charge, revenue, and compliance programs; performs calculations related to industrial discharge permitting, including calculation of production-based and alternative discharge limits, and capacity fees 14. Inspects a variety of pretreatment systems, facilities and processes of industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional establishments for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to pretreatment, urban runoff, and pollution prevention; verifies customer classification; and collects data used in evaluating compliance with applicable standards and in establishing sewer service-charges 15. Investigates and traces the source of illegal waste discharges entering the district collection system; responds to and coordinates call-outs; provides technical assistance and guidance; observes, monitors, and evaluates conditions and initiates appropriate responses 16. Determines appropriate sampling methods and locations and performes field work as required 17. Works with industries to identify and resolve discharge problems or serious violations of applicable permits, ordinances, and regulations; identifying noncompliance and initiates appropriate responses consistent with policies, procedures, practices, guidelines, and models 18. Responds to and initiates oral and written contact with customers; provides detailed information on a variety of complex topics in a clear, succinct manner using the appropriate approach and response for the situation; provides internal and inter-agency coordination based on information from the field and analyzes and makes recommendations on additional actions; sharing technical and/or specialized information with district staff 19. Prepares appropriate enforcement action and notices of violations and monitors follow-up action 20. Represents the district in meetings of regional task forces, committees and work groups Complexity Of Test Questions At the Grade III level, certificate candidates are expected to have the knowledge, skill and ability to safely and effectively accomplish and coordinate complex tasks as listed in the Essential Duties above. Grade III candidates are also expected to be familiar with the Grade I and II Environmental Compliance Inspector knowledge, skills and abilities. Examinees will have to answer multiple choice questions that test application, analysis and synthesis of the subject matter. The complexity of the questions will cover the ability to abstract in particular and concrete situations, to clarify and organize theories and ideas, and to put facts together to form new solutions. Test Content Areas The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas. Each content area is a Knowledge, Skill, or Ability that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed above. Since all of the Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities are required to perform the Essential Duties they are all equally important in the demonstration of acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content areas listed below are equally weighted on the test. Candidates should also be thoroughly familiar with the Grade I and II Environmental Compliance Inspector Test Content Areas. Test Content Areas Grade III 300. Knowledge, skill and ability identified on the Test Content Specifications for Industrial Waste Inspection/Environmental Compliance Grades I and II Knowledge of: 301. Physical, chemical, microbiological, and bacteriological tests applied to water and wastewater 302. Principles and practices of scheduling 303. Pertinent safety practices and principles, including traffic control, use of personal protective equipment, chemical hazards, industrial and storm water 304. Environmental principles, practices and models related to wastewater control 305. Principles, practices and methods of industrial Page 11 Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector

13 and municipal collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater 306. Federal, state and local rules, regulations and standards governing wastewater and water quality 307. Procedural requirements for conducting environmental investigations and studies 308. Principles of hydraulic, instrumentation, and water and wastewater treatment equipment 309. The most complex industrial processes 310. The most complex industrial pretreatment technologies 311. Storm water regulations and best management practices 312. Training techniques 313. Employee evaluation methods 314. Productivity measurement 315. Confined space entry procedures and regulations practices 327. Evaluate industrial waste discharge equipment, checking for operation, calibration, and conformance legal requirements 328. Apply wastewater control principles and practices to the solution of difficult environmental problems 329. Conduct sanitary and environmental studies 330. Analyze complex environmental situations, data and/or reports and draw sound conclusions from which to base recommendations 331. Interpret a variety of physical, chemical, microbiological and bacteriological test data on water and wastewater 332. Organize a response to an emergency incident 333. Investigate accidents, write appropriate reports, and make recommendations 316. Hazards from dangerous atmospheres. Skill to: 317. Deal cooperatively and effectively with the public, industrial company officials, other agencies and staff employees 318. Prepare clear, complete, and accurate oral and written reports 319. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to express the objectives of an environmental compliance program to system users, in the English language Ability to: 320. Evaluate the work of others 321. Conduct training 322. Resolve employee relations matters effectively 323. Organize work, set priorities, and work on several assignments under time pressure and critical deadlines 324. Read and interpret complex regulations 325. Develop inspection procedures 326. Evaluate storm water best management Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector Page 12

14 Grade IV Environmental Compliance Inspector Page 13 Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade IV Certification is designed to demonstrate competency at the program manager level. More specifically, Grade IV certification implies competence in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties of a management level Environmental Compliance inspector. Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test The basic requirement is eight years of full-time work in Environmental Compliance Inspection. You may also qualify by having six years of experience and holding a Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade III Certificate for two years, OR having six years of fulltime experience and holding an Associate s degree in a related field, OR having five years of full-time experience and holding a Bachelor s, or higher, degree in a related field. All Grade IV candidates must also demonstrate at least one year of experience supervising the work of others. Eligibility criteria are summarized in the table below. You may qualify by meeting either Education/ Experience Combination A, B, C, or D. If you do not meet any of the combinations of experience and education, then you do not qualify for Grade IV: Combination A B C D EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS None Hold Grade III ECI certificate for 2 yrs. Hold an AA/AS, or higher, degree in a related field Hold an Bachelor s, or higher, degree in a related field EXPERIENCE 8 years in Environmental Compliance Inspection with one of those years supervising others 6 years in Environmental Compliance Inspection with one of those years supervising others 6 years in Environmental Compliance Inspection with one of those years supervising others 5 years in Environmental Compliance Inspection with one of those years supervising others Qualifying With Your Education Holding a college degree, or its equivalent, in a field related to your vocation will reduce the number of years required for your test (see the table, left). Your degree must be in a field that is related to the certificate for which you are applying. If you are uncertain if your degree is related to your vocation you should still include your degree information in your application. The Technical Certification Program Committee will determine if your degree qualifies. If it does not, you will be accepted for the next highest grade level for which you qualify. Associate s and Bachelor s degrees in technical fields are usually accepted. Degrees are evaluated on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. College credit without a degree is not accepted unless it can be demonstrated that the credit is equivalent to a degree. Essential Duties Of The Grade IV Environmental Compliance Inspector Individuals certified as Grade IV Environmental Compliance Inspectors are expected to possess acceptable competency when performing the tasks that are necessary for management level environmental compliance inspectors. These necessary tasks are known as the Essential Duties. The certification test measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the Essential Duties. Essential Duties for Grade IV 1. Establishes organizational controls to measure performance against approved objectives and ensures proper implementation of divisional goals and objectives 2. Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the work of environmental compliance inspectors, technical, and office support staff, providing technical services to users with non-domestic waste and groundwater discharges; reviews and approves waste discharge plans; meets with users to ensure compliance with waste discharge ordinances and state and federal requirements; performs special studies and prepares reports on industrial waste and other discharges and manages enforcement actions 3. Recommends methods to control all wastewater entering the collection system. 4. Administers the division's safety program; performs field inspections for safety conformance and directs investigations of injuries 5. Monitors economic, environmental, political, social, and business developments which have a bearing on a district s program and services 6. Interprets management policies to staff and ensures compliance with management and administrative policies and procedures. 7. Plans, develops, and participates in a variety of ongoing training programs related to the work 8. Manages the overall implementation of new programs that are required by regulations to Grade IV Environmental Compliance Inspector

15 protect or improve water quality by controlling sources of water 9. Directs the activities of division supervisors 10. Coordinates activities with other divisions in a district and with other agencies, and organizations outside a district 11. Directs and participates in the selection, training, review, and evaluation of division staff; encourages professional growth; and investigates employee relations problems and implements or recommends corrective actions 12. Represents a district in meetings with governmental and regulatory agencies, technical committees, private firms, professional and community groups, and the public; confers with staff regarding division activities; provides information and technical advice to staff, local cities, other utilities, regulatory agencies, planning agencies and consultants 13. Directs record keeping activities and preparation of variety of periodic and special reports; advises directors of significant data and other information related to the work of the division 14. Developes and administers the annual budget and monitors monthly expenditures 15. Reviews the work of consultants and administers various professional contracts 16. Monitors developments in the field of environmental compliance and recommends and initiates improved work methods and procedures Complexity Of Test Questions At the Grade IV level, certificate candidates are expected to have the knowledge, skill and ability to administer, coordinate and manage complex programs described in the Essential Duties above. Grade IV candidates are also expected to be familiar with the Grade I, II, and III Environmental Compliance Inspector knowledge, skills and abilities. Examinees will have to answer multiple choice questions that test analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the subject matter. The complexity of the questions will cover the ability to clarify and organize theories and ideas to put together facts to form new solutions and to make managerial level judgements. Test Content Areas for Grade IV 400. Knowledge, skill and ability identified on the Test Content Specifications for Industrial Waste Inspection/Environmental Compliance Inspector Grades I, II, and III Knowledge of: 401. Industrial processes as they affect the operation of a water pollution control plant, wastewater collection system, or storm collection system, and its effects on the receiving waters 402. Safety rules, codes, principles and practices related to inspection, such as traffic control, chemical handling, confined space entry, and other physical hazards 403. Techniques of field inspection and laboratory work related to wastewater discharge from various sources 404. Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations 405. Budgeting principles 406. Management principles 407. Methods of supervision 408. The function of related agencies Skill to: 409. Prepare clear, concise, and complete reports and correspondence 410. Make effective oral reports and presentations 411. Deal effectively with employee relations 412. Deal effectively with budget administrative matters Test Content Areas The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas. Each content area is a Knowledge, Skill, or Ability that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed above. Since all of the Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities are required to perform the Essential Duties they are all equally important in the demonstration of acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content areas listed below are equally weighted on the test. Candidates should also be thoroughly familiar with the Grade I, II, and III Environmental Compliance Inspector Test Content Areas. Grade IV Environmental Compliance Inspector Page 14